Lock Specific Apps on iPhone: Full Guide

This guide shows you how to lock specific apps on your iPhone using built-in Screen Time features. You’ll learn to require Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode before opening selected apps, and how to set time limits that lock apps automatically. No third-party apps are needed, and everything works on current iOS versions.

What You’ll Need

• An iPhone running iOS 12 or later (Screen Time is built-in).
• Your device passcode (the one you use to unlock your phone).
• If you have Screen Time already enabled, you may need the Screen Time passcode.

Step-by-Step

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Tap Screen Time. If you haven’t enabled it before, tap Turn On Screen Time and follow the prompts to set a Screen Time passcode (this is separate from your device passcode). If it’s already on, skip to the next step.
3. Tap App Limits.
4. Tap Add Limit.
5. Choose the app category that contains the app you want to lock. For example, if you want to lock Instagram, select Social. If the app is in a different category, select that category. You can also tap the category name to expand it and see individual apps.
6. To lock a specific app, tap the checkbox next to it. You can select multiple apps at once. If you want to lock all apps in a category, just select the category.
7. Tap Next in the top-right corner.
8. Set the time limit. To lock the app immediately, set the time to 1 minute (the minimum allowed). This will give you one minute of use per day before the app locks.
9. Tap Add in the top-right corner.
10. Now, when you open the locked app, you’ll see a screen saying the limit has been reached. Tap Ask for More Time, then choose Enter Screen Time Passcode to unlock it for the rest of the day (or add more time).
11. To require Face ID or Touch ID before opening an app (instead of a time limit), you can use the Screen Distance feature (iOS 17+) or a shortcut. However, the most reliable method is to use the Guided Access feature (see Tips below).

Common Mistakes

• Setting the limit to 0 minutes: The minimum is 1 minute. Setting it to 0 will not lock the app immediately; it will just not apply a limit.
• Forgetting the Screen Time passcode: If you forget it, you’ll need to reset it using your Apple ID password or by erasing the device. Keep it somewhere safe.
• Selecting the wrong category: Some apps are in unexpected categories. For example, Safari is under “Productivity & Tools.� Check the category list carefully.
• Not enabling Screen Time first: You must have Screen Time turned on before you can set app limits.

Tips

• Use Guided Access for instant locking: Open the app you want to lock, then triple-click the side button (or home button on older iPhones) to start Guided Access. This locks the app to the screen and requires Face ID, Touch ID, or a passcode to exit. To set this up, go to Settings > Accessibility > Guided Access and enable it.
• Set a longer limit if you want to use the app for a set time: For example, set a 30-minute limit for social media apps to limit your daily usage.
• Use “Block at Downtime� for scheduled locking: In Screen Time, you can set Downtime to lock apps during certain hours (e.g., 10 PM to 7 AM). This is great for bedtime.
• Create a separate Screen Time passcode: Choose a passcode different from your device passcode to prevent others from changing your limits.
• Family Sharing: If you’re a parent, you can set app limits for your child’s device remotely using your own iPhone.

Troubleshooting

• App doesn’t lock after setting a limit: Make sure the limit is set to 1 minute and that you’ve selected the correct app. Also, check that Screen Time is enabled and that you haven’t accidentally turned off App Limits.
• Forgot Screen Time passcode: Go to Settings > Screen Time > Change Screen Time Passcode > Forgot Passcode? Enter your Apple ID password to reset it. If that fails, you may need to erase your iPhone and restore from a backup (but this will remove the Screen Time settings).
• Limit resets every day: That’s normal. App limits reset at midnight. If you want a longer lock, set a higher limit or use Guided Access.
• Can’t find the app in the category list: Some apps may be under “Other� or a specific category. Use the search bar at the top of the Add Limit screen to find the app by name.
• Guided Access not working: Ensure it’s enabled in Settings > Accessibility > Guided Access, and that you’re triple-clicking the correct button (side button for Face ID iPhones, home button for older models).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I lock an app with Face ID without a time limit?

Yes, using Guided Access. Open the app, triple-click the side button, and set Guided Access to require Face ID to exit. This locks the app until you authenticate.

Will locking an app delete its data?

No. Locking an app only restricts access; it does not delete any data. Your app data remains intact.

Can I lock apps on an iPhone without Screen Time?

Screen Time is the built-in method. Without it, you’d need a third-party app, but those are limited due to iOS restrictions. Guided Access is another built-in option that doesn’t require Screen Time.

How do I unlock an app if I forgot the Screen Time passcode?

Use your Apple ID password to reset the Screen Time passcode in Settings > Screen Time > Change Screen Time Passcode > Forgot Passcode? If that doesn’t work, you may need to erase your iPhone and restore from a backup.

Does locking an app stop notifications?

No, notifications may still appear. To also hide notifications, go to Settings > Notifications, select the app, and turn off Allow Notifications.

Can I lock apps for a specific time period, like only during work hours?

Yes, use Downtime in Screen Time. Set a schedule (e.g., 9 AM to 5 PM) and choose which apps are allowed during that time. Apps outside the allowed list will be locked.

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